Can my Computer Handle 16GB of RAM?

If you are in the process of upgrading your laptop or desktop PC, you might be considering installing the maximum available amount of memory to futureproof your system. There are a number of sizes available, so you could be asking yourself whether your computer could handle, say 16 Gigabytes?

The answer to this question depends entirely on your motherboard and the operating system your computer works on. Each will have different capacities and compatibility requirements, so you should consult your manual or talk to a member of our technical support team.

Memory Installation Guides

Memory is one of the simplest upgrades that you can perform on your computer. To make it even easier our support team have created both installation videos and a written guide for you to follow.

Should you have any issues with your installation please see our FAQ page or contact our support team via live chat or at support@offtek.co.uk.

Lifetime Warranty

All OFFTEK memory is backed by our full lifetime warranty. We obsess over our products so you do not have to. Our team constantly strive to ensure that all our memory is of the highest quality but should you ever have any issues with your purchase you have the peace of mind that you can return your product for a replacement if the need arises.

Top Brands

We have close relationships with all of the top tier RAM memory manufacturers which enables us to provide a constant supply of the highest quality products. This in effect means compatible, reliable RAM and most importantly great prices, all backed by a limited lifetime warranty. If you require a specific brand of memory then please do not hesitate to contact one of our sales team.

Guaranteed Compatibility

Over the years we have taken immense care in creating one of the most in depth memory configurators. We do this to ensure that when you purchase a memory upgrade from OFFTEK you are confident that the upgrade is 100% compatible with your system.
Should you have any questions prior to ordering your upgrade we have technicians on hand via live chat, email or phone who will be able to answer any queries you may have.

We take the time to look into each machine to ensure that we offer all sizes and speeds that the machine is able to take not just the latest specification that has been released. We believe that offering all options for machines provides a 100% guarantee that the memory with function with your original memory module efficiently.

What are the different Memory Variations

There are various different types of memory which fall into different categories. You will need to make sure you select the correct matched memory for your system which you can do by searching for the make and model using the Offtek online configurator. The various memory types are:

*These variations are broken down further into different sub categories which include, Genre, Build (No of Pins), Capacity, Speed, Density and Dimensions which we are not listing on this page but can be found explained within the FAQ section on our website.

NON-ECC Memory – Who uses it:

Non-ECC DIMM & SODIMM memory is the type that the vast majority of PCs and laptops use, this includes Personal Computers for home use and low end office Workstations. For the majority of systems being upgraded, you will never need to use ECC Memory.

What ECC Memory stands for:

ECC stands for Error-Correcting Code. ECC Unbuffered, ECC Registered, ECC Fully Buffered and ECC Load Reduced DIMMs are types of Ram Memory with a difference, Ram memory with ECC are able to identify and correct the most commonly occurring types of soft memory errors.

ECC Memory – Who uses it:

Most of us won’t have any need to come into contact with ECC RAM. It is used in Servers and high end Workstations by industries where they cannot allow data corruption to occur within their systems, e.g. the Government, Financial or Scientific sectors.

Potential errors caused by corrupted data are routinely located, checked and corrected by sending all data via the computer’s memory bank register. This task takes extra clock cycle(s) (compared with Non-ECC memory) for the ECC memory to perform, but it is worth it, as hugely damaging mistakes for the types of companies that use them are eradicated.

As a simple rule, each of these memory types are designed to work on their own as they are created to perform different functions.

There are some higher end Workstations and low end Servers where you can mix Non-ECC and ECC Unbuffered DIMMs, however certain performance aspects are affected (check our online configurator to see if this relates to your model if it does consult your user manual for further explanation or contact us).

The following is a guide as to when you are able to use Non-ECC and ECC Unbuffered DIMMs individually or in conjunction with one another in your system:

Error Correcting not needed: - If you do not require the ‘Error Correcting’ function of the modules to operate as they should in your system, then you may be able to use Non-ECC alongside ECC Unbuffered DIMMs. The system will simply ignore the ‘Error Correcting’ aspect of the ECC Unbuffered DIMMs and it will act as if the memory didn’t have it at all.

Parity Checking not needed: - If you do not require the ‘Parity Checking’ function of the modules to operate as they should in your system, then you may be able to use ECC Unbuffered instead of ECC Registered DIMMs. The system will understand that the memory installed does not have the ‘Parity Checking’ aspect, however, you will still utilise the ‘Error Correcting’ aspect.

On some systems, you may be required to disable the ‘Parity Checking’ in the BIOS.

IMPORTANT:ECC Registered, ECC Fully Buffered and ECC Load Reduced DIMMs will only work on their own, if you install any of these modules together your system will not work or you will experience a wide range of performance issues.

Summary:It is important to select the correct Memory / Ram for your system - BEFORE carrying out an upgrade!

We understand that on occasion RAM compatibility issues (especially in older models) can lead people to try and use ECC Unbuffered, ECC Registered, ECC Fully Buffered and potentially ECC Load Reduced memory modules in a non-parity checking machine. If you are in the position where you would like to try this please check the information above, use our online configurator and/or contact us for assistance first.

Although we have hundreds of thousands of upgrade options on our website there are new models being released daily, also there are older models which have DIMM requirements that are very specific. If you cannot find your model on our configurator then please contact us as we are sure we will be able to help you.

If you are looking to place a quantity order or are buying on behalf of the public or private sector then please contact one of our designated account managers who will be able to deal with your requirements in more detail.

Unsure on your current memory specification or looking to purchase in quantity?

For any queries you may have please contact one of our experienced Memory Specialists via one of the following methods and they will ensure that any issue is resolved immediately and effectively.

Request a Callback

The advantages of adding more Ram Memory

Installing a memory module is one of the simplest upgrades that can be done to a computer

There is no configuration, no sitting around waiting for things to update and backup. It is simply plug and play!By adding more Ram memory into you laptop, desktop or server you will be doing the following:

Improving the overall performance of the machine

Allowing for increased multitasking

Extending the life of the machine

Producing faster boot times

Increasing productivity

Decreasing latency in gaming

Adding memory is the easiest upgrade available for your machine for the best increase in performance. If you are unsure on how to upgrade your machine no problem take a look at our detailed guides on how to install your new Laptop or Desktop Memory upgrade.

Compatibility Guarantee

Guaranteed Compatibility

Over the years we have taken immense care in creating one of the most in depth memory configurators. We do this to ensure that when you purchase a memory upgrade from OFFTEK you are confident that the upgrade is 100% compatible with your system.
Should you have any questions prior to ordering your upgrade we have technicians on hand via live chat, email or phone who will be able to answer any queries you may have.

We take the time to look into each machine to ensure that we offer all sizes and speeds that the machine is able to take not just the latest specification that has been released. We believe that offering all options for machines provides a 100% guarantee that the memory with function with your original memory module efficiently.

Why buy from offtek

Matched Ram upgrades for your specific model

Offtek provides matched upgrades for new and legacy machines. Every one of our RAM modules are tested to ensure that not only are they compatible with the machine but also that they perform in a wide range of different environmental conditions. This allows us to back our modules with a limited lifetime warranty.

Established in 1996, OFFTEK is trusted by many of the UK's best known household names as their number ONE source for ram upgrades.

Misson critical or movie night we have your upgrade sorted

Our team is made up of memory specialists with an average of 9 years experience in the RAM industry. We offer upgrades for not only the latest machines on the market but just as important those legacy machines that you need to keep running.

RAM is extremely important in ensuring your machine operates at its optimum performance. Our upgrades ensure that your computer will be performing at its best for years to come.

Fast Free UK Delivery

We offer FAST FREE UK Delivery on all orders with 96% of orders dispatched same day. For those that cannot wait we also offer faster delivery options including next day.

60 Day Money Back Guarantee

Not 100% happy with your order then return it to us under our No Quibble 60 Day Money Back Guarantee. Worried you might have made the wrong choice? With our no quibble return policy you can send it back to us and get a full refund up to 60 days after you've received your order. Whether you've picked the wrong product or just changed your mind you can send your order back to us and you'll get all your money back.

Twice Daily Price Checks

Our Price Promise commitment means that you can buy from us with confidence.

Our team works hard to ensure that you not only have peace of mind in the fact that the memory you order is 100% compatible but that our price is also the lowest for that product.

We check our prices daily against all our competitors to ensure that you are getting the best deal.

Experts On Hand

We have dedicated and highly trained experts with an average of 7 years experience. They are here to help you from purchase through to installation. We use a number of contact methods so you can speak to one of our specialists with ease.

Limited Lifetime Warranty

Feel confident that your memory will last a lifetime. Our limited lifetime warranty guarantees that if your memory should ever fail we will replace or repair the product free of charge provided that it is still manufactured. Please note that the lifetime warranty refers only to memory modules and not flash memory or storage products. Please see the individual 'product details' for warranties specific to each product.

100% Compatibility

Every memory product matched specifically to your machine is individually tested to guarantee reliability and 100% compatibility with your computer and operating system.

Online Since 1997

Offtek has been supplying memory online since 1997 with over 500,000 happy customers. Well, maybe the odd one does'nt like us ;)

We have always been passionate about providing our customers with the tools and information to update their systems in the simplest manner. Early in 1996 we took on the challenge to find the type of memory compatible with every computer ever built. Hence our first memory configurator was born. Our constant daily updates allow our customers to easily select the correct memory for their machines and that objective is as important today as it was when the idea was first broached across a kitchen table in central Birmingham

Large Stock Holding

As one the largest memory distributors in Europe, our large stock holding allows us to offer next day delivery on a wide range of products.

Environmentally Friendly

If you have no need for your old memory after you have upgraded to one of our larger/faster modules, we will recycle this for you free of charge under the WEEE directive.

Delivery Options

UK Delivery

Free UK Delivery (within 5 working days) £0.00

1st Class Delivery (within 1-2 working days) £0.95

Next Day (Before 1PM) £5.95

Next Day (Before 9AM) £15.50

Saturday Guaranteed £10.50

DHL Courier and same day delivery options are available on request.
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International Delivery

We now deliver to over 200 countries worldwide with DHL at incredibly low prices.